Driving a low-carbon future

Incentives for homeowners to decarbonise their homes and make the switch to alternative heating systems need to be supported by access to fully trained installers. Paul Taylor, UK head of renewables for Panasonic, looks at the opportunities for gas engineers.

Choosing an alternative system to the familiar gas boiler presents homeowners and heating engineers with an array of options. The number of properties that will need to be retrofitted over the coming years means there is a huge demand for a new, well-trained installer engineering workforce: it’s a significant opportunity to learn new skills and access this potential business.

A real alternative

The new generation of air source heat pumps offers a very real alternative. Quieter in operation than previously, some systems are also capable of being connected to solar PV, come with smart/WiFi connectivity via apps, and take advantage of the latest developments in energy efficiencies to deliver reliable, cost-effective alternatives to gas boilers. There are certainly some selling points and it’s a fastmoving area.

The trend toward heat pumps is moving steadily forward: Panasonic has been producing heat pumps since 1973 and we see demand for this energy efficient solution growing more and more each year.

Homeowners are clearly conscious of global warming and the need for carbon reduction and, together with housing developers and social housing providers, are driving the trend along, with encouragement from local and national government to turn to more sustainable heating solutions.

Smart controls and ease of use are two key areas where heat pumps can perform very well. Incorporating easy-to-use monitoring and management systems that essentially watch over the system remotely, means heating engineers can keep their customer informed, advise them appropriately and even access the system remotely to make changes to improve the efficiency – or in many cases to rectify any user errors without them being on site.

This can help keep costs down by reducing call-outs and unnecessary travel. Using a service network to support if a home visit is required ensures local support and reduces travel times, and so lowers carbon emissions.

Help to fund the skills switch

As well as the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, a second wave of funding for social housing decarbonisation means there is an incredible amount of support and focus on moving towards more renewable technologies to decarbonise heating and hot water.

Making the switch to unfamiliar technologies can be challenging,

Training grants

Over the next two years, the newly announced Heat Training Grant will help to upskill 10,000 experienced installers to deliver low-carbon heating systems, supporting the continuation of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme. Manufacturers including Panasonic have put together additional rewards and incentives to further help expand the skills base.

whether for installers or consumers, particularly for those used to conventional systems. However, there is a lot of support available, and many manufacturers are working hard to provide easy-to-understand resources, product knowledge and training for specification, system design and installation, operation, monitoring and management of these systems.

Gas engineers should seriously consider the benefits of air source heat pumps over traditional gas boilers. Not only do they offer significant cost savings over time, but they also provide a more environmentally friendly heating

Several awarding bodies offer the appropriate training courses such as the Level 3 Award in Air Source Heat Pump Systems. This is a nationally recognised qualification in the installation and maintenance of air source heat pump systems and recognised by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme (MCS) as an acceptable qualification to join one of its schemes.

Trainees will:

• Know the requirements to size, select, install, commission and hand over air source heat pump systems (non-refrigerant circuits) solution that can help reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable living.

• Plan, prepare, install, commission, and maintain air source heat pump systems (non-refrigerant circuits).

Panasonic’s installer incentive scheme Train to Gain offers trainees £500 in Love2Shop vouchers when they undertake the approved training courses until 31 December 2023 and then buy a heat pump from Panasonic.

With the increasing availability and affordability of air source heat pump technology, now is the time to explore this alternative and capitalise on the growing demand for eco-friendly heating solutions. ■ www.aircon.panasonic.eu